Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Ranibizumab and Triamcinolone with Prompt Laser Treatment in Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) can significantly hinder the life of many diabetic patients. Research has shown that intravitreal injections and laser effectively target this serious complication. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of ranibizumab and triamcinolone when combined with prompt laser in treating DME. Methods: We systematically gathered research papers from the major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Elsevier, EBSCO, and Sage. Following the appropriate guidelines tailored towards contrasting the effectiveness and safety between Ranibizumab and Triamcinolone in patients with DME. Results: This meta-analysis found that ranibizumab is more effective in targeting DME in terms of optical coherence tomography (OCT) readings and retinal structures, whereas triamcinolone was associated with better disease control and fewer systemic side effects. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the need for a patient-centred treatment plan that considers the efficacy and safety of each drug combined with the individual risk factors of each patient with DME.